ZTE Max XL review

The ZTE Max XL currently has an Informr score of 4.8 out of 10.
This score is based on our evaluation of 8
sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

No

OS

OS

No

1.4 GHz

Processor

Processor

1.4 GHz

6"

Screen Size

Screen Size

6"

13+ MP

Camera

Camera

13+ MP

3990 mAh

Battery

What the Critics Are Saying...

What the Max XL delivers for around $100 is really quite impressive, and it makes competing phones like the Blu R1 Plus look pretty poor in comparison. Sure, you can spend an extra $100 and upgrade to our current favorite budget phone, the Moto G5 Plus, getting a nice aluminum chassis, better perfor...

- Sam Rutherford, Tom's Guide

Honestly, I view phones like the ZTE Max XL like I do Chromebooks, which is that they do the basics, and they do the basics well. In the end, if you’re looking for an extremely affordable smartphone that can do the basics (and not expect much in the way of anything more than that), has a large...

- Anna Scantlin, Phonedog

For $130, the ZTE Max XL gets you solid performance, a big, bright 1080p screen, the latest Android software, and better connectivity thanks to the presence of HPUE. Compared with the aging and overpriced competition, the Max XL offers better overall performance at a more affordable price.

- Ajay Kumar, PC Magazine

The ZTE Max XL isn't the world's most attractive nor most powerful smartphone, but it does do a few things really well.

- Eric M. Zeman, Phone Scoop

The ZTE Max XL proves that you can get a lot of phone for not a lot of money.

- Lewis Leong, TechRadar

Prices (Where to Buy)

Common Questions

The Max XL price will vary depending on retailer, age, special offers and whether or not it's purchased with a service plan. If purchased with a 2 year service contract for example, you would likely pay much less for the phone itself up front. You can compare ZTE Max XL prices from around the web here on The Informr.

If your Max XL has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact ZTE support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find ZTE's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.

Rate It:

Critic Reviews

A $99 phone we really like

What the Max XL delivers for around $100 is really quite impressive, and it makes competing phones like the Blu R1 Plus look pretty poor in comparison. Sure, you can spend an extra $100 and upgrade to our current favorite budget phone, the Moto G5 Plus, getting a nice aluminum chassis, better per...More

What the Max XL delivers for around $100 is really quite impressive, and it makes competing phones like the Blu R1 Plus look pretty poor in comparison. Sure, you can spend an extra $100 and upgrade to our current favorite budget phone, the Moto G5 Plus, getting a nice aluminum chassis, better performance and a faster camera. But the Max XL is so good that you might not want to — especially if you value the ZTE's bigger screen and slightly longer battery life.

Most aspects of the phone can be described as average

Honestly, I view phones like the ZTE Max XL like I do Chromebooks, which is that they do the basics, and they do the basics well. In the end, if you’re looking for an extremely affordable smartphone that can do the basics (and not expect much in the way of anything more than that), has a la...More

Honestly, I view phones like the ZTE Max XL like I do Chromebooks, which is that they do the basics, and they do the basics well. In the end, if you’re looking for an extremely affordable smartphone that can do the basics (and not expect much in the way of anything more than that), has a large screen and excellent battery life, the ZTE Max XL is certainly worth considering.

Delivers solid performance and a nice display for an affordable price

For $130, the ZTE Max XL gets you solid performance, a big, bright 1080p screen, the latest Android software, and better connectivity thanks to the presence of HPUE. Compared with the aging and overpriced competition, the Max XL offers better overall performance at a more affordable price.

For $130, the ZTE Max XL gets you solid performance, a big, bright 1080p screen, the latest Android software, and better connectivity thanks to the presence of HPUE. Compared with the aging and overpriced competition, the Max XL offers better overall performance at a more affordable price.

Performs on par with phones that cost nearly twice as much

If all you want is a big screen with a big battery attached to it, the Max XL has you covered in spades. The full HD display gets the job done, though I wish it were protected from fingerprints. The battery pushes the Max XL through two full days of use, which should be enough for any/everyone. D...More

If all you want is a big screen with a big battery attached to it, the Max XL has you covered in spades. The full HD display gets the job done, though I wish it were protected from fingerprints. The battery pushes the Max XL through two full days of use, which should be enough for any/everyone. Data speeds are quick, but voice quality was middling at best.

Big phone for a small price

Although its low-end specs suggest it will be unremarkable, the ZTE Max XL is actually a pleasure to use. We were surprised that the Max XL was able to split-screen multitask and performed most tasks with just some split-second hesitation.

Although its low-end specs suggest it will be unremarkable, the ZTE Max XL is actually a pleasure to use. We were surprised that the Max XL was able to split-screen multitask and performed most tasks with just some split-second hesitation.

This is a bug filled phone

I have recently bought the same phone 3-4 times, I can't even remember. I thought it was one of the best phones I ever owned .... until each one Froze up with the same issue. The screen continues to lock up on the opening sequences. you will try to restart the phone. and then POW!!! It locks up...More

I have recently bought the same phone 3-4 times, I can't even remember. I thought it was one of the best phones I ever owned .... until each one Froze up with the same issue. The screen continues to lock up on the opening sequences. you will try to restart the phone. and then POW!!! It locks up again right before the home screen. and it will stay there for HOURS ON END. The only reason i'm writing a review is because I'm trying to see if anyone has solved this issue. FYI DO NOT PURCHASE THIS PHONE. IT MUST BE A ZTE FLAW ON THIS VERSION, and it is not just a fluke on one phone. Their is a big trend across the web for this phone, and I've experienced it 3 times in a row.
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